SUPPORT FEDERAL DIVESTMENT LEGISLATION

Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (SADA)

Click here to sign a petition demanding fast and full implementation! 

Thanks to strong activist support the bill was signed into law on December 31, 2007.

Four of the five main provisions of SADA are already in effect:

1. Authorization of state divestment:

The bill protects states’ rights to divest. States deserve protection for acting as responsible and moral market participants. State and local divestment sends a clear message to the government of Sudan that American opposition to genocide is widespread and helps to ensure that American dollars are not helping to support genocide.

California activists: Support California’s Sudan contract ban. Click here to send your legislators a message today!

2. “Safe Harbor” for Funds that divest:

According to the law, investment firms and mutual fund companies such as Fidelity can divest without the threat of lawsuits for perceived loss of revenue.

3. Authorization for states contract bans:

Some states have contracts with companies that help financially support the genocide. This law protects states’ rights to pass laws that ban these contracts.

4. Sunset clause:

This clause will ensure that these economic penalties directed at the government of Sudan will be taken off the books once the genocide in Darfur has ended.

The fifth main provision requires further steps before it can be implemented:

5. Ban on federal contracts:

The U.S. government has millions of dollars in contracts with a small subset of companies that support the genocidal regime in Sudan. SADA bans the renewal of federal contracts with these companies, forcing them to choose between doing business with the U.S. or with the government of Sudan. Companies must certify that they do not engage in problematic business relations with Sudan in order to receive federal contracts. This creates incentives for foreign companies to cease business that supports Sudan’s government at the expense of the country’s marginalized populations. Many of these companies also have major contracts with U.S. states and cities, which they now risk losing as a result of SADA’s authorization for local contract prohibition.

Who has to implement the ban on federal contracts?

This provision of the bill requires the United States Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) within 120 days of the date of enactment (December 31, 2007).

The Administration has to make sure this implementation is quick and full.

Congress must provide oversight to make sure the Executive Branch does its part.

What can we do now to make sure the Administration fully implements the bill?

Sign a petition to ensure swift and comprehensive implementation of the federal contract ban.


Bill Details and Resources for Organizations and Activist Leaders